CXR Case 013

There is complete collapse of the right upper lobe
* Note the resultant elevation of the right horizontal fissure *
Patchy Left Upper Lobe (LUL) opacification suggestive of consolidation
*ETT and NG tube also present*

* This is a case of severe pneumonia *

Right upper lobe collapse has distinctive features, and is often easily identifiable on CXR.

Features include: increased density in the right upper lung field, elevation of both the right hilum and right horizontal fissure, and loss of the right cardiomediastinal contour.

A common cause of upper lobe collapse is a proximal tumour or mediastinal mass.

* An acute collapse normally correlates with a sudden worsening of symptoms, particularly breathlessness *

Consider malignancy in patients who present with weight loss, cough and/or haemoptysis